Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Premier League Explains VAR Calls in Liverpool–Forest Match at Anfield

The Premier League Match Centre published explanations for both VAR rulings that shaped the first half.

Soccer Football - Premier League - Liverpool v Nottingham Forest - Anfield, Liverpool, Britain - November 22, 2025 Liverpool's Alexander Isak after being substituted REUTERS/Phil Noble
Soccer Football - Premier League - Liverpool v Nottingham Forest - Anfield, Liverpool, Britain - November 22, 2025 Nottingham Forest's Murillo celebrates scoring their first goal REUTERS/Phil Noble
Soccer Football - Premier League - Liverpool v Nottingham Forest - Anfield, Liverpool, Britain - November 22, 2025 Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche REUTERS/Phil Noble
Soccer Football - Premier League - Liverpool v Nottingham Forest - Anfield, Liverpool, Britain - November 22, 2025 Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson in action with Liverpool's Alexander Isak REUTERS/Phil Noble

Overview

  • Murillo’s opener stood after a VAR check concluded Dan Ndoye was not in Alisson Becker’s line of vision and did not impede an opponent.
  • Igor Jesus had a potential second goal ruled out for accidental handball, a decision the Match Centre said confirmed the referee’s on-field call.
  • The Premier League issued two statements on its Match Centre/X account detailing the rationale for each decision.
  • Pundits including Martin Keown, Ashley Williams and Paul Robinson criticized the handball ruling, while former referee Mike Dean backed the award of Murillo’s goal.
  • Liverpool trailed 1-0 at half-time, and the episode revived comparisons to Virgil van Dijk’s earlier disallowed goal that led the club to write to PGMOL, with no rule changes announced.